Phew. It’s been a long weekend of delicious, invigorating sweat.
Friday morning I ran 20 miles, my last long run before the Dances with Dirt Marathon this Saturday. My friend Heather told me about Endurance Shield sunblock and I finally had a chance to try it on the run.
Endurance Shield is incredible all around. It was so lightweight and fresh-scented while I was applying it. This stuff smells like cucumbers. It left no white residue while I was sweating.
I never got gritty and I never got burned. The ingredients are awesome, too. Aloe is a top ingredient and there’s nothing I don’t feel comfortable applying to my skin.
Saturday was a 60 mile bike ride followed by a .4 mile run. Yes, 4/10 of a mile. My biggest miss with triathlons in the past was not getting in enough bricks. Of course I want to get in longer bricks in the future, but for now this was what I could squeeze out 
Good thing my 140.6 isn’t until October!
Good thing my 140.6 isn’t until October!On my long run I spent a lot of time asking myself if I really wanted to run long distances every weekend. I taunted myself with thoughts of weekends spent comfortable, dry and in bed. I planned that I could do yoga, CrossFit and just run once in a while for fun. No more marathons, no more ultras.
But I love my long runs. I love the challenge to my endurance and the time to think. It’s not that I want to stop doing long runs- it’s just that I want to be better. I want those runs to be easier.
I was never fast before the accident, but running is definitely harder since then. My body just feels heavier and slower. But that means that I will train harder and smarter, not back down from the challenge.
Saturday after my run we also checked out the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. It was huge! I love being back in Orlando.
What challenge are you taking on?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m going to start running. I get bored though so 5Ks are good enough for me.
More yoga, more strength, less cardio overall.
Julie recently posted..The storm before the calm (LiveFit Day 34)
I signed up for my first half marathon!!! Ekkkkkkk!
Have fun this weekend! My biggest challenges to tackle right now aren’t so much physical. I’m trying to balance my business, my scout responsibilities (including two fundraisers and a few recruiting events), begin teaching children’s yoga, and still be present and of use to my children and husband while keeping our home sane and happy. Oh, and still getting in exercise! Not an easy task but learning!
My challenge is to be gentler on myself. So, tomorrow I am taking a mental health morning and treating myself to a spin class!
Maria recently posted..What’s in my BHAG, day 2
Have you considered following CrossFit Endurance programming? It will feed your hunger for CrossFit by still offering a similar WOD, in combination with endurance programming. Many of CrossFit Endurance’s devotees have seen their marathon, tri, and ultra pr’s blown away. Food for thought, and you won’t be doing long slow distance training on your weekends, more interval training.
I’m getting more into it slowly. Our gym offers Endurance classes every Thursday. Other than that I’ll add bits in after my regular WODs. They’re fun!
I’ve decided I really do want to write a fiction book (and get it published / but I don’t care if it is a free kindle book)
Also I’ve been doing these ab challenges I found on pinterest and although they’re for abs my arms are reaping the benefits of the many push ups and planks
Joy recently posted..What! A! Weekend!
Ashley, you are such an inspiration! To do the distance events you do is amazing to begin with, but to have gone through such a bad accident and have dealt with that rough recovery… I’m in awe at your mental and physical strength!
My next challenge: the Fools 50k! I’m looking forward to meeting you, maybe we can keep each other company out there on the trails?
Good luck this weekend!
Danielle @ Long May You Run recently posted..Leprechaun Loop 8k recap
Good luck on the marathon! Have fun!
I’m glad my long runs don’t have to get over 10 miles for a while. I love ‘em, but dang, after 3 marathons in 3 months I’m ready to focus on shorter bursts of speed. getting ready to go 2:15 in Lake Logan this year.
Carolina John recently posted..It’s Maniac Time!
Hey, congrats on even the small brick. Each piece counts!
Im {FINALLY} taking the challenge and doing my first 5k next month. Training has been fun so far – now just to keep it up!
are those newton’s your sporting in the pic??? If so, aren’t the amazing? I have the newton trail running sneaks (i forget their actual name) but I lurrrrrve them to bits and pieces.
Good luck on your race this weekend! (and holy ironman batman! are you excited to start training for that bad boy??? Your recovery from your accident has been nothing but inspiring! <3 )
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